From a young age, Sarah Fenton has always been an artist that wanted to learn new things. This creativity and pursuit of new skills would lead her to her passion for photography, journey into entrepreneurship, and today as the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator’s latest client with her nature-focused business, Storms End Homestead.

Founded in 2017, Storms End Homestead combines the art of nature with practical, sustainable living. The business started as a personal project on Fenton's one-acre homestead, where she learned how to grow her own food and raise chickens. As her family expanded, she began looking into alternative ways of living and returning to nature. This journey led her to elderberry syrup and fire cider, the first roots of a growing business.

Fenton’s family and friends encouraged her to offer her products to other people. Her hobby and passion soon budded into a community-focused venture. And while she was hesitant to start a business out of her idea, she took a chance, and it paid off. "I started with a bit of fiber artwork and some homemade products at my first show, and it just kept growing," Fenton explained.

Fenton's commitment to her craft and community led her to take the next steps in professionalizing her business. "It became clear that I needed to figure out the next steps to make this a legitimate venture that could support my family," Fenton stated. "I believe we're happiest when doing what we love, so turning a passion into something that supports your family shouldn't be something to fear."

Fortunately for Fenton, a friend put her into contact with Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO’s Director of Economic Development, where she learned of the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator program powered by The Hazleton Innovation Collaborative (THInC). While she was immediately interested in joining the commercially licensed facility, it took roughly two years to get into the space due to the unique nature of her product offerings. While elderberry syrup and fire cider are both foods, they are also herbal products, which complicated the licensing process.

Despite a slower-than-usual start, it hasn’t taken long for her business to experience the benefits of joining the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, including significant production expansion. Before joining the incubator, Fenton made her products at home for family and friends. Now, she looks forward to reaching more people through her expanded capacity. "Being part of the incubator has been fantastic. I've been able to triple my production," she said.

With her recent certification and access to the kitchen, Fenton aims to expand into the wholesale market and establish a stronger presence in local communities. Currently, she is working on updating labels and strategizing on how to get into some bigger pharmacies.

The name Storms End Homestead itself is rooted in history and personal growth, representing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, both in her life and in the history of the property. “I think there's something to say about overcoming hardships and becoming stronger. Even though one storm passes, there's always a new one to come, but they don't last forever.”

You can shop the full range of Storms End Homestead products on their website, stormsendhomestead.com.

For more information about THInC, the Hazleton Kitchen, the CAN BE Innovation Center or starting a business within the Greater Hazleton Area, visit canbe.biz or contact Nico Makuta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..